Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter franchise. It belongs to JK Rowling and Warner Brothers. I'm just having some fun with it.

Warning: THIS STORY IS SMUT WITH PLOT. IF YOU'RE UNDER 18, PLEASE FIND ANOTHER STORY

Note: Over at the Harmony Discord, there is a Milestones Bingo taking place. Https: hmsharmony. This one shot is my first, of hopefully several for my Bingo card. HMS Harmony Milestone Bingo, First Time Kissing Down Under. Enjoy.

— 0 — 0 —

"What did you say?"

"I can't…go." Ron faced the window, avoiding her eyes as the countryside flew past.

Hermione's eyes began to tear up, "You can't or you won't?"

"I can't. At least…not right now." He glanced in her direction and added, "Sorry?"

"Ron, you…you promised. You promised to come with me…to help me find my parents when this was all said and done."

"I know, I know, but…I can't. What with George…and Dad. Between Fred and Percy's death and Bill and Charley leaving the country…" Ron turned to face her. "I need to think of my family, too."

"And what about my parents?"

"They've been fine so far. What's another month or two going to matter—"

"A month!" Hermione seethed. "Are you really doing this again? After last year… first the tent, then—you're just—"

"I came back." Ron took a half step back. "I came back…in the end. This is different. And besides, you're the one running this time."

"I'm not running— Arg! You're impossible."

"I don't see what's such a big deal. They'll be fine."

"Well, I'm leaving. We can fight about this when I'm back."

"Fight? We're not fighting." Ron reached out to hold her hand. Hermione jerked back. "Don't touch me!"

"Herms. What's wrong? I just need some time—"

"Time," she spat, as she turned to leave. "I'll give you time. All the time and more."

"Where you going?"

"Away. I can't deal with 'this' right now."

"You can't just walk away. We're in the middle of a fight."

"Watch me. I've had it Ronald."

"Did our kiss mean nothing?"

She spun back around to face a confused Ron; her face awash in tears. "I don't know anymore. Take your time with your family. I'm leaving to go find mine."

Hermione left him standing there in the corridor while she stumbled three cars down to find Harry, Nevile, and Luna. Every time. Every time she needed Ron the most, he faded into the background. As helpful as a Flobberworm. As messy an eater too, she told herself.

Entering the cabin, Hermione found everyone conversing over summer plans. Harry and Luna were situated across from Nevile, who naturally had some unidentified potted plant in his lap. Luna was wearing her trademark spectrespecs and had a copy of the Quibbler at hand. Harry sagged into his seat with a gloomy look in his eyes that gave Hermione some concern.

"…that is the idea Nevile." said Luna. "The Herbology role at Hogwarts would be a lovely fit for you. It's such a coveted job in Britain. Magical horticulture and — hello Hermione. Are you feeling ok?"

"Fine." Hermione collapsed into the seat next to Nevile. Arms crossed, refusing to meet anyone's eyes.

"Hermione?"

Harry studied her with a hard, penetrating gaze. Finally she added, "Just…Ron. Please…not now."

"For now." Harry agreed.

Nevile continued, "It's too soon—with everything that's happened…I'm not sure I want to return to Hogwarts." He picked out a pamphlet from his bag. "And besides, look at this, there's a two year master's program requirement for any teacher before being able to take a role at Hogwarts."

"Actually," Hermione spoke up, "I had a long conversation with McGonagall earlier today regarding hiring. They're waving the requirement for the next few years. She asked me to take the Arithmancy position after I pass my NEWTS." Hermione added hastily, "Of course, I'll still be returning to Hogwarts next year, as a student. I could work on a mastery during my off time, but still…if things don't work out with the Ministry…maybe?"

"Well," Luna spoke up, "I plan to explore the world outside of Britain. I'm leaving the country with Daddy next month, to become a Magizoologist like Scamander. Sadly, the International Body of Wizards controls the testing. Still, we are traveling to Europe this summer in preparation."

Nevile nodded and turned to Harry. "What about you, Harry?"

Harry merely shrugged. "Don't know. Before last year…join the Aurors. Now…I don't know. Fighting dark wizards is not what I want anymore. Guess I'll take this summer to relax, fix up Grimmauld and figure something out."

"I hear ya," Nevile said. "I think I've had enough dark wizards for a lifetime." He glanced over at Hermione. "What about you Hermione? Any summer plans?"

"I don't know…maybe. Either way, I fly out tomorrow to Sydney, Australia. I still have to find and collect my parents."

"Australia?" Nevile asked. "How, in Merlin's name, are you planning to travel to Australia? As far as I know, portkeys don't go directly between there and Europe. Are you going by boat?"

Hermione smiled slyly. "That's why I chose it as the destination in the first place, less chance of someone chasing after them, unless you go muggle. I fly out on a plane tomorrow. Ron was supposed to come with, only…"

Harry perked up at her comment. "Wait, Ron's not going with you anymore. Why? Hermione, you can't just fly around the world by yourself. What if there are Voldemort sympathizers? It's not safe to go alone."

"What would you suggest, the Imperius Curse?"

"I'll go."

Hermione blinked, taken aback. "Harry. You have things here. What about Kingsley? What about Ginny? I can't ask you to give up your next month just for—"

"I want to go." Harry stated firmly. "You sacrificed so much for me already. Your parents wouldn't even be there if not because of me."

"Harry, it's not your fault that—"

Harry stood up abruptly. "It's settled then. We can crash at Grimmauld tonight and then we leave for the airport tomorrow."

Hermione watch Harry leave the compartment and turned a questioning gaze back to Nevile, who simply shrugged.

"He's been like that since we boarded. No idea. Won't smile. Barely responded to anything we say. Won't tell us anything."

"It's the letter." Luna said dreamily, pointing to a white piece of parchment sticking out of the bag Harry left with his trunk. "It weighs heavily on his heart."

Hermione studied the parchment for half a second before making up her mind. Harry needed her, needed his friends. If something was going on…she was determined to help. Reaching down, she snatched it up. On first glance, she could make out Ginny's handwriting.

"Hermione, that's private!"

She merely glared at Nevile before silently reading the letter to herself.

Harry,

It's with a heavy heart I write this before departing from Hogwarts. While we met last night, I confess to not being truthful about my feelings toward you. Even now, I can't bring myself to say this out loud.

When you broke up with me last year, it hurt. I know your reasons. You were trying to protect me, even so, my heart broke. The promise of what could have been seemed lost to me forever. You asked me to wait for you. That once this was all over, we could try again, put the burdens of war past us. I agreed. I tried. I failed.

This year was hard. As hard for me as I'm sure it was for you. I won't talk about the difficulties we all faced, but there was one bright spot for me in all the horrors. I met someone. I met someone, and I fell in love. Please forgive me. I know you don't deserve this, but I can't lie, not now, and I can't go back to what was. I hope you too can move forward and find your own happiness.

Sincerely, Ginevra

Hermione sat frozen in her seat, her heart falling into her stomach. "O Harry…"

Unsure of what else to do; she folded the letter back up and placed it neatly in his bag, which she zipped up before caressing it lightly. She bit her lip, unable to hold back as more tears fell from her face.

— 0 — 0 —

DING!

Hermione jolted awake at the noise, momentarily disoriented. A noise rumbled in the background. She found herself wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket and pressed against a firm pillow that smelled like Harry. With a start, she realized the pillow was actually an arm, Harry's arm, an arm which was quiet damp. Her eyes widened in horror at the realization she must have drooled all over him while asleep. Pulling back, she saw Harry studying her intently.

"Morning."

"How…how long was I out?" Hermione's gaze wandered the airplane cabin. It was dark, the lights dimmed. With most of the window shades down, it appeared the entire cabin was still asleep.

"Almost six hours as best as I can judge. You passed out an hour after takeoff and commandeered my arm." He smiled slyly. "I didn't have the heart to take it back, so I had the flight attendant put a blanket over you and let you rest."

"Are we there yet?"

Harry chuckled, "Not even close. I'd estimate we have another ten hours at least before we land in Sydney."

"How are you doing, Harry?" Hermione stretched in her chair, her side protesting her choice of sleeping position.

"Fine. Flying on an airplane is nothing like flying on a broom. I wonder if they'll let me see the cockpit after we land."

"I read the letter." Harry eyed her from his seat. "From Ginny."

"Aaa…that."

"Harry, please don't go all brooding on me. Do you want to talk?"

"What's there to say, really? It's over."

Hermione reach down and took his left hand in both of her's as she leaned back onto his damp shoulder. "I know the thought of Ginny waiting for you kept you sane over the last year. Even when putting up with me and Ronald. Just know Harry, it's not you — there are plenty of others that love you too."

"Hermione…I—"

"Here your customs papers to fill out, Mister Potter." A curly blonde stewardess appeared in the aisle and handed over the paperwork. "Can I bring you or your wife a drink?"

Hermione sat up straight, her eyes widened. She was about to reply when Harry spoke up quickly. "Just water, please."

The stewardess departed, and Hermione turned to Harry and raised an eyebrow. "Wife?"

Harry shrugged. "When you passed out, she came by and asked why we were flying to Sydney. I told her we were visiting your parents now that we're out of school and I think she assumed we're newly weds or some such idea. It seemed easier to just go along with it than try to make up another reason."

"Alright, but don't go getting any ideas, mister."

Harry blushed a tomato red. "Hermione. You know I would never—"

"Here you go," the stewardess placed a bottle of water in front of her. She glanced around at all the sleeping passengers before leaning in. "With everyone asleep, now's probably your best chance."

"Excuse me." Hermione asked.

"I was about your age when I flew all the time with my boyfriend. Just like you two, we couldn't keep our hands off each other. I'd recommend the bathroom at the back of the plane. Us flight attendants stay in the front and middle areas during these long flights." She winked and added, "Let me welcome you to the mile high club."

Hermione felt her face blush as she watched the stewardess depart.

"Did she just suggest what I think she did?" Harry commented.

Hermione didn't answer. Problem was, the suggestion had caused her brain to race with ideas. Harry's proximity also didn't help, and she had to wonder…would he say no…if she were to suggest such a thing?

"Out of curiosity, how are we getting through customs when we do land?"

Hermione pushed any thoughts of Harry and the airplane bathrooms aside.

"Thanks for reminding me." She pulled at her bracelet. With a flick, her wand appeared from its hidden holster. Reaching down, she pulled her passport and travel visa from her magical purse. Over a year ago, before sending her parents away, her dad had insisted she get a passport, 'just in case' he'd said. His foresight had paid off. Paperwork in hand, she carefully using her wand to duplicate them. Then she modified them ever so slightly a second time before handing it to Harry. "There you go, passports and visas for a Mister Potter."

"Brilliant Hermione. What would I do without you?"

"Apparently, stay single."

She yawned before snuggling back into her Harry pillow. "Just don't come up with a bunch of kids or something while I'm sleeping." Her eyes closed again. The plane was cold and Harry was warm. And despite her recent nap, she'd had little to no sleep over the last week. The soothing, steady beat of Harry's heart drowned out the background hum of the airplane as she dozed off.

— 0 — 0 —

"A car?" Harry asked her skeptically. "Wait, do you even know how to drive?"

"My dad taught me the last two summers. It was his idea, really. I think he had his heart set on doing it since I was born and I didn't have it in me to say no."

The Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport was sparsely crowded. They'd arrived well before dawn and navigating the airport terminal and customs was a lot easier than Harry had expected. He followed Hermione's lead until she directed them toward the rental car area.

"I'm impressed, but I don't think I'll be any help. The Dursleys wouldn't let me near their Vectra, so I have no idea how to drive."

"It's no harder than a broom." Hermione noted as they wound through row on row of rental cars. "If you're nice, maybe I'll show you how."

"And maybe you'll take an interest in riding my broom." Harry muttered, "Stranger things have been known to happen."

Hermione stumbled for a second before turning to flash him a grin. "Maybe I will."

"Really? You actually want to try the Firebolt with me?" Hermione came to a halt, Harry looked up and down the isle. "By the way, which one of these is ours?"

"Right here," Hermione pointed to the white Corolla parked behind Harry. "Now be a dear husband and throw our trunks in the boot while I find the map."

Harry rolled his eyes. Hermione had been needling him at every turn about the flight stewardess and their made up relationship. Stowing the baggage, he joined her in the passenger seat.

"Here you go Harry. Their house is in Gosford, I marketed it in red on the map."

She drove them slowly out of the airport and onto the M1 heading north. Harry's attention drifted as he watched the coastline of Botney Bay fall away in the distance. Everything looked so different here. Different, yet the same.

Harry glanced down at the map as they exited the freeway. "It should be less than a mile now. Any more and I'd suggest we stop for lunch. I'm starved."

"Agreed."

As they pulled into the cul-de-sac Harry caught sight of the house. His first glance caused an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right. In the front yard of brown grass, played a girl of around six years old. By the side of the house, a young woman, who could only be her mother by her similar appearance, planted flowers.

Hermione stopped in front and they both got out of the car. "Excuse me, is this number twenty Auburn street?"

"It is." The mother answered in a friendly voice. She stood up, hands covered in dirt which she wiped on her overalls.

"Sorry to bother you, but we were looking for the Granger's house and this was the address we had."

"Your from across the pond, aren't you?" She answered. The little girl scampered over to hug her mother. She stared up at Harry with one eye still hidden behind a leg. Harry couldn't help but chuckle to himself at her shy behavior. "Yes, my husband and I bought this over a month ago. I think Granger was the name of the former owners."

"No!" Hermione whispered, hanging her head. "We're too late." Harry brought his hand up and gently pulled Hermione into a side hug.

"Did you know them?"

"Yes, they're…in the family. But we didn't know they were planning to move so soon. We were delayed this spring in our flight out here and — you wouldn't know where they went? Forwarding address and all that?"

Hermione was crying silently into Harry's shoulder now. The mother gave Hermione a sad look before shaking her head. "Sorry, Realtor handles that information. I never even met them."

Harry nodded. His stomach rumbled loudly. "You wouldn't know of a good place to get lunch around here. Or a place to stay for the night? We're almost dead on our feet from traveling."

"For a cute couple like yourselves, I might."

The young mother outlined the direction and, after marking the location on the map, they drove the one mile toward the coast. Harry found the Elanora Hotel and restaurant a few blocks from the water. It was a quaint place that reminded him of the Three Broomsticks.

Harry conversed with the employee at the front desk for a few minutes before heading to find Hermione perched on a stool at the bar behind the lobby.

"I got us a room and — Hermione are you alright?" She swayed on her bar stool, clutching a half drunk pint of black liquid.

"Harry!" she shouted at the sight of him. "Sit…sit. This is really good. Do you want some?"

"Hermione, are you drunk? On half a glass of beer."

She straighten her posture, or at least tried to do so before she almost tipped over backward off the stool. Harry caught her at the last second.

"Me…nooooo?" She tried to study the glass like a book. The rest of her drink spilled out over the bar.

"Woopsies. Tee hee." The giggle that escaped her lips stunned Harry.

"Hermione? You never drink."

"No…yes...no! I mean, I did order us shots too…just now."

"Shots?" Harry saw two used shot glasses next to the bartender, who worked to wipe up the spill. "Where are these shots, Hermione?"

Hermione glared at the offending bar. Seeing nothing but the newly cleaned counter, she looked under the bar. Confused, she turned back to Harry.

"Well, I ordered two shots, one for me…one for you. The bartender must've drank em."

The bartender in question returned with two glasses of water. "Sorry mate, she said they were for the two of ya. Didn't know she'd down um both when my back was turned."

"That's ok. I'll make sure she drinks the water next."

Hermione nudged his leg with her bare foot.

"Your so good to me. Ron…now Ron's the asshole. How did I deserve such a good friend?" Hermione squinted in concentration. "No husband. That's right, you're my husband now." She turned to the bartender and proclaimed loudly. "Did you know we're married? Everyone else we meet does. Why, on the plane flight over here, the stewardess offered us the use of the bathroom for—"

"Okay Hermione, let's let the man get back to his work. He doesn't need to hear the details."

The bartender gave Harry a wink and chuckled before walking away.

Hermione slumped over into his shoulder, "Mmmm, Harry pillow. I love my Harry pillow." Hermione's head slipped and fell forward, coming to rest in his lap.

"Where'd ya go?" she asked, looking up at him with a yawn.

"I got into a conversation with the owner about—" Hermione snorted loudly. Harry glanced down. Her eyes were closed but her mouth was open, nuzzling his growing erection through his pants.

Harry reached down and shook her arm. "Let's get you to bed, Hermione."

Her eyes fluttered open. "Wha?"

"Bed." He pulled her upright before he stood up too. "Come on."

Hermione giggled again, arms open wide. "Okay. Take me to bed!" She jumped to her feet and grabbed Harry's arm for balance. "Oh-kay." After a moment, she took an unsteady step forward, and Harry led her up the stairs and down the hall to her room.

Entering the room, Harry set her on the edge of the bed before he went to the bathroom. When he returned, Hermione was naked from the waist down and struggling with the buttons on her shirt.

"Hermione? What are you doing?"

"Can't get my…blouse off. Can't have sexy time while still wearing this…shirt." She tugged, but the shirt stayed in place. Harry could already see one areola and nipple peaking out of her bra under the half unbuttoned shirt.

He reached down and gently grasped her hands. "We're not having sex."

"Whaaat? Why not? Don't you want me, Harry?"

He sat down next to her. "Yes. I do." He admitted out loud. "I've wanted to for quite some time. But not like this. And you don't really mean it. You're drunk and distraught over your parents."

Harry heard snoring and glanced over. Hermione had passed out, her head resting on his left shoulder. When he tried to adjust her, she flopped backward onto her back. With a sigh, Harry rolled back the covers and, picking her up, carriedher into position and covered her with the blanket. The stress of the flight took over and Harry found himself suddenly exhausted. He climbed onto the other side of the bed. The clock displayed three in the afternoon, but his flight lag was finally overtaking him and, with a yawn, he turned off the light and fell asleep.

Harry opened his eyes and looked at the clock next to the bed. Four in the morning. He was about to roll over and go back to bed when he sat up and scanned the room. Hermione was gone.

Harry momentarily panicked until he noticed a note on the pillow in Hermione's handwriting.

Went down to the beach for a walk. Be back later. ~ Hermione.

He found her sitting alone on the breach, watching the sunrise. Her curly hair was pinned up in a ponytail, showing off her long neck, something that always caught his eye. The crash of of the waves was so loud that Harry managed to get within three feet of her before she took notice.

"Harry?" She startled as he plopped down on the sand next to her. "Sorry to skip out in the middle of the night."

"Not an issue. After all this time, point me Hermione is a spell I can manage non verbally at this point. How are you feeling?"

"Like a pair of trolls danced on my head."

"Um…what do you remember from last night…exactly?"

"Not enough. We made it to the hotel, then there was a bar, I think. Then…shots? It's all fuzzy after that." Hermione took in Harry's grimaced look. "O no. What happened? I didn't throw up on you? Did I?"

Harry sighed in relief. "No, you just passed out, and I had to carry you to bed." He quickly changed the subject. "Hungry?"

"Starved. I don't suppose you know any places open this early, do you?"

"I might." Harry placed the paper bag he was carrying on Hermione's lap. "Turns out, almost nothing was open, except the supermarket, so I raided their bakery."

The breakfast Harry carried with him turned out to be an assortment of fresh fruit and chocolate croissants. After pulling the sixth roll out of the magically enhanced bag, Hermione proclaimed, "Did you buy the entire store? We can't eat all this."

"The bag will keep." Harry bit into a croissant as he watched the ocean waves. After a few minutes, he said, "So I was thinking…about your parents."

"Yes…"

"Well, in the normal world, people and businesses use phones instead of the floo. And a business, say a dentist office, would want themselves listed somewhere to bring in clients. I was wondering, how many Granger Dentist offices are there around Sydney?"

"Harry…that's brilliant. What would I do without you?"

"Apparently, drink yourself under the bar." Harry answered with a straight face.

"Prat."

The waves of the ocean crashed in and out as they sat and ate breakfast in silence. The sun had crested the horizon. Long rays of golden light shimmered across the water.

Hermione leaned into Harry. "I love this beach. I never got to go to a beach growing up."

"Hermione?"

"Yes."

"What if we just stayed here?"

"At the beach. For how long?"

"No, I mean here. In Australia." Harry saw her questioning gaze and quickly added. "I mean, after we find your parents. Lets find a place to rent, live here. It's so different, so peaceful."

"But…"

"Forget about Magical Britain. I vanquished Tom. What else do they want from me? Your family is already here. And I don't have anyone back home, not really. We could start over. Just two no names in the crowd."

"What about school? NEWTS? Our education."

"I'm sure there's a magical community somewhere around here…on this continent. And a school to finish our education. "

"I don't know Harry. It doesn't seem real. Only a dream."

"Think on it." Harry stood up. "Come on, let's go find your parents first."

Turns out there were only three Granger dentist offices in the phone book. The first one was back and Sydney and turned out to be a bust, but the second one they visit…

Hermione rushed into the office. "Mom?"

To Harry, the women behind the desk certainly looked like an older Hermione. Emma was tall and lean but had curly blonde hair. Though, her roots showed a natural brown that matched Hermione.

"I'm sorry dear. Are you looking for someone? Only we don't have any schedule appointments till this afternoon."

Hermione wasted no time as she whipped out her wand to undo the memory charms in less than a minute.

"Hermione? My God…" Harry watched as mother and daughter embraced

"Emma, dear. Who is it?"

"Frank. Come quickly, it's our daughter."

"Daughter. Emma, have you lost it? We don't have a daughter. Or is there something you've been refraining from telling me all these years?"

Frank entered the room and took in Hermione and Emma hugging behind the desk. "What's going on here?"

Hermione rushed to correct her father's memory, too. Frank Granger's eyes widened. "What's — how…is this…" His surprise turned to anger.

"Dad, you do remember me?"

"Remember, 'Frank spat, "Of course I remember. Hermione — how could you?"

"Dad," Hermione's lip trembled, "I had no choice."

"Choice. Hermione, there's always a choice."

"I couldn't lose you. Not you…It was getting so bad—people disappearing, dieing every day."

"And you went and did the one thing…the one thing you promised all those years ago not to do. You used your magic to manipulate us. Did it ever occur to you to talk about it first?"

Hermione clung to her mother, tears flowing freely.

"Why?" Frank's voice boomed across the office, "We're not children, damn it! Why didn't you trust us? Your own parents, for God' sake!"

"I knew you wouldn't let me stay…I need to stay! Harry needed me!"

"So you would choose some school friend over us? Run off to play soldier, leaving your own parents! Is that it? How could you bring yourself to abandon us, for him?"

"Because I love him!"

Harry's eyes widened at her proclamation. "Hermione?" he whispered.

Hermione muttered something that sounded like, "Why me?" before she jumped up and bolted out the door. Harry heard the crack of aparation as she fled. Stunned, Harry stood there before a hand rested heavily on his shoulder.

"Harry Potter, I presume."

He turned to face Hermione's father. "Yes. Mister Granger. Frank…Emma, you know…what Hermione did—she did it because she loves you. She didn't want to lose you."

"We know. But how we go about a thing is just as important as our intentions for it as well. The road to hell is paved with good intentions as they say."

Emma spoke up from behind the desk. "I only have one question. Do you love Hermione?"

Harry smiled, "I do."

Frank chuckled. "Best go after her then. Do you know where she went?"

"I have a feeling."

— 0 — 0 —

Hermione cried silently on the beach as ocean waves washed against the shore, the noise of it drowning out her thoughts and emotions. The ocean was powerful; it brought a calming to her mind. A calming she longed for.

First, Ron. Then her parents. Now surely Harry would hate her too. Why couldn't anything in her life be simple?

"I thought I'd find you here."

Hermione jumped as Harry appeared around a large rock outcropping. When she didn't respond, he sat down next to her.

"Do you remember the time we first met? On the Hogwarts Express, you entered my cabin in search of Nevile's Toad, not even a student yet and here you were, helping others." Harry wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. "You also help repaired my broken glass. Did you know, your spell did more than fix the frames, those glasses were three years old, they barely corrected my eyesight and yet, your spell also fixed the lenses. You literally changed my view of the world. Love at first sight, some would say."

Hermione whimpered into his side.

"Before you say anything else, I just want to add, I love you too, Hermione."

"Harry." Hermione reached out and put a hand on Harry's chest, to make sure he was real.

"How long have you felt like this?" Harry said, "Like you wanted to be with me?"

"Quite a long time, back since third year, I guess."

"Why didn't you say anything?" Harry asked.

"Please Harry. You and Ron didn't even know breasts existed back then. By the time you did, well…you were fixated on Cho and then Ginny. At least Ron showed an interest in me, not that he tried very hard."

"I'm showing an interest now," Harry said as he grasped her outstretch hand and placed a soft kiss on each finger.

"I could never compete with the likes of Cho or Ginny in the looks department. By the end of sixth year, well…Ginny made you happy. That's all that matter to me."

"But did it make you happy?"

"I didn't want to lose you as a friend."

"Hermione, you're my best friend; this wouldn't have ended our friendship. I would have hated myself if it did."

Hermione pulled her head back slightly. "I would have hated myself too." She noticed her voice had become soft and wispy. She unconsciously licked her lips as her eyes raced up and down his face. Harry watched her, then he traced his fingers up her arm and cupped her check, sending shivers down her body. She leaned into his warm hand.

"You're a very special friend to me, Hermione."

"You're special to me as well."

Harry leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. He pulled back and looked into his best friend's brown eyes. Hermione looked back, her eyes fluttering, and her pulse beating faster. "I'll stop if you want me to," Harry assured her.

"Please…don't," she whispered.

Harry pressed his lips once more to her open mouth. He tenderly licked his tongue over her lips, outlining them. He swallowed the sigh that escaped from her breath. Hermione moved closer, her tongue slipping gently into Harry's mouth, her hands coming up to grip his hair firmly. Harry eased a hand onto her thigh, bringing a soft moan before he leaned backward onto the sand, pulling her on top of him.

She went willingly, her body resting atop his as the world around her faded away. All she could focus on was his lips and a rather long and hard something poking her down below. She wiggled her hips and Harry moaned into her mouth.

He put his hands on her hips and pulled her close. One hand worked its way up her back, caressing her skin. She shivered at his light touch. Hermione suckled on his tongue as Harry's fingertips teased her with light touches on her back and legs. Finally, she couldn't stand any more teasing. She craved more; she wanted, no, needed all of Harry.

With a grin, Hermione pushing away. Abruptly, she stood up and started pealing off her shirt.

"Hermione. What are you doing?"

Her skirt and then underwear followed her shirt onto the beach sand before Hermione pranced toward the water.

"Skinny dipping, I've always wanted to try."

Hermione grinned back over her shoulder and caught Harry staring at her tight bottom. Harry blushed as his vision snapped up to meet hers. She grinned and wiggled her hips as she waded into the water.

"Aren't you going to join me?"

Harry shrugged and pulled off his shirt. He was halfway with his short's zipper when he realized he had an audience.

"Um Hermione, will you turn around?"

"Not a chance, mister. Drop um."

Harry took a breath and, while maintaining his gaze on Hermione, he yanked down his shorts and boxers in one motion. Standing up, he stepped toward the water in the nude.

Hermione's eyes fixed on his waist, a hunger stirred inside her as she lick her lips unconsciously. Then brown eyes met green, and they both smiled.

Hermione sank further into the water until her breasts rested just below the waterline. She extended her right hand and curled her index finger, beckoning him closer.

Harry took two steps before he shrieked. "That's cold!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well, are you a wizard or not, Harry Potter?"

With a chuckle, he quickly pulled his wand from his wrist and cast a warming charm on himself, and then on Hermine.

He was with in two feet when she attacked. Harry found a wave of water launched at him, covering his face. He sputtered and attempted to launch a wave of his own back at her. She dodged it and tackled him, trying to force him underwater. Harry caught his breath as his arms fought back against hers. He was stronger and difficult to bring down. She laughed with glee, still trying to get the upper hand.

Finally, Harry captured both her arms and clasped them behind her back, preventing any further attacks. This had the result of them standing chest to chest in the water. Hermione grinned and slowly rubbed her hips against his cock, her wet breasts and firm nipples sliding across his chest.

"You win." She batted her eyelashes at him. "You caught poor, innocent little me."

Harry stared at her with an animal hunger that caused her lips to part and her breath to quicken. Hermiones' eyes closed as he leaned in and captured her lips. Her arms forgotten, he gripped her waist and pulled her close. Their kiss deepened, her hands climbing up Harry's muscular sides to grip his hair tightly.

Lost in the kiss, they tumbled backward into the water and quickly came up sputtering for breath. Hermione laughed while she retrieved her wand.

"I have a naughty idea?"

She cast the bubble head charm on both of them before tackling him. As they fell backward into the water, her arms wove around his neck. With a splash, they sunk below the water, Harry's back resting lightly on the sand.

Hermione hooked her feet behind his legs. Their arms wrapped around each other, pulling tightly. Hermiones' soft lips captured his. Soon, they forgot all about the outside world, slowly drifting out with the tide. With heads so close together, their bubbles merged into one larger air pocket.

The late afternoon sky cast soft rays of sunlight through the water. A sparkly yellow of the sandy bottom below contrasted with the shimmering gray of the water's surface above. They were further out in the bay now, having drifted together while lost in a kiss. The bottom was more than a dozen feet down now, from where they floated.

"Wait here." Hermione whispered, licking Harry's ear. She pushed off and swam backward and down in a graceful arc. Her legs kicking like a dolphin or mermaid, only without the fins. She circled around and came up from below. Hands reached out and pulled Harry down by his feet. He sank toward her grinning face.

Halfway down, her fingers gripped his butt cheeks and pulled his fully hard cock toward her open mouth, which she swallowed in one gulp. Or tried to. Harry was a good seven inches long and as soon as he hit the back of her throat, she gaged hard. Choking, she wrapped both hands around him and slowly stroked up and down while suckling on the head. The head of his cock tasted sweet from pre-cum already leaking from the tip. Moaning at the taste of him, she speed up, her hands and mouth working together to extract more of Harry's essence. Gazing up through the shimmering sunlit water, she caught his eyes watching her intently.

Before she could finish him, Hermione found arms pulling her upward until they were face to face again.

"I need you, Hermione."

"Then take me Harry, I'm yours. Make love to me."

Sharing air bubbles again, Harry's eyes matched her intensity as he pushed into her gently, easing his cock into her moist pussy.

"Ahh…" she moaned as he filled her.

"Hermione," Harry whispered and slid his cock in the remaining inches. She felt her barrier break and cried out in both overwhelming pleasure and pain.

His cock stretched her, filled her completely. Her pussy covering her lover with its warm honey as she dug her nails into his arms.

"Don't…don't move Harry. Please, just hold me."

The initial pain was quickly replaced by a growing pleasure, a pleasure of being filled completely and utterly by Harry. Hermione moved her hips. Slowly at first, then with more urgency as she pushed against him, enjoying the feel of his body rubbing on her clit. Soon grinding gave way to short, slow thrusts as Harry made loved to her.

The sensation of Harry stretching her, filling her, threatened to overwhelm her. She climbed a cliff of pleasure and stayed there as she moaned into his mouth, pushing back against his cock.

"Hermione…I'm going to cum."

His cock swelled, and she soon found him filling her insides with his warm seed. The cliff fell away as her body slammed against the shores, her own climax tore through her body. Her eyes rolled, her back arched, and her muscles clenched around his shaft. Rolling waves of heat coated her pussy until finally they both went limp.

Spent, they clung together, neither willing to be the first to let go. Floating along in each other's arms, they drifted with the current, sinking…only to rise again, adrift at sea.

— 0 — 0 —

"This way…this way. You'll love this one. Pricier than the last, yes…but includes a whole acre of land. So…you'll have tons of privacy. A real bargain this close to Sydney."

"It looks so large."

"Five bedrooms, perfect for that home office or den. And we're less than a mile away from the coast."

Hermione studied the blue split-level house while her left hand rubbed at the growing bump in her belly. "What do you think, Harry?"

Harry smiled as he squeezed her right hand. "I think it's perfect."

— 0 — 0 —